San Leandro City Council set to adopt a “city bike racks” program

In accordance with San Leandro’s adopted 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, City staff in San Leandro has started to set aside $5,000 annually from the Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Funds to install low-cost, inverted “U” shaped bicycle racks in the public right-of-way, especially in major commercial activity centers, as requested. Three inverted “U” shaped bike racks have been installed in front of the City Hall. About 12 more will be installed in a few spots in the downtown San Leandro soon.

To address a request about installing upgraded, artistic bicycle racks, City staff has explored experiences and programs from other Cities throughout the United States. A staff report with a proposed bicycle rack program will go to the City Council on November 21, 2011. Staff cannot share their staff report and program details with you before they have shared them with City Council on Nov 21.

However, the City’s general approach is outlined in this paragraph–the City will install the low-cost inverted “U” shaped bicycle racks in the public right-of-way based on requests. Property owners may file an encroachment permit to install upgraded, artistic bicycle racks at the property owner’s expense. If approved, property owners will have to file annual encroachment permits and assume the responsibility of the general liability, but fees of the initial and annual encroachment permits and inspections will be waived.

The proposed program also entailed bicycle rack installation standards (e.g., minimum sidewalk width, clearance to other objects, etc.). You may be able to look into the program details through the City website when the time is near to the November 21 meeting date.